As the neon lights of Shibuya flickered to life, a friend and I set out on a nocturnal adventure to uncover the vibrant bar scene that pulses through the veins of this iconic Tokyo district. Our journey would take us from tiny alleyways to bustling slopes, offering a glimpse into the eclectic nightlife that makes … Read more
On my way to Hiroshima, I couldn’t resist the urge to make an unplanned detour to Matsuyama on Shikoku island. This wasn’t my first rodeo in Matsuyama – I’d been to this major West Shikoku city before, famous for its hot spa, Dougo-Onsen. If you’re familiar with the renowned Japanese writer Soseki Natsume and his … Read more
In the heart of Fuji city lies a small universe known as Yoshiwara-honcho. My recent return to this enigmatic spot was driven by a singular purpose: to retrace the footsteps of a cherished memory from 2019. Back then, a group of friends and I, fresh from a dinner party, had stumbled upon this place, allowing … Read more
Inside Bar counter of Kimijimaya Have you ever wondered where to find the perfect spot to savor authentic Japanese sake without the pressure of pairing it with a full sushi meal? Look no further! Nestled between Tokyo and Ginza, just a stone’s throw from Tokyo Station, lies a charming sake tasting counter that’s about to … Read more
Shinjuku Golden Gai, nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, is a vibrant and eclectic district renowned for its dense concentration of tiny bars, izakayas, and eateries. This charming enclave, located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, offers a stark contrast to the surrounding neon-lit skyscrapers and modern establishments. Golden Gai consists of six narrow alleys connected … Read more
I recently revisited Numazu after a significant period. This city is renowned for its authentic bars, especially in the station’s southern area. However, I found the area somewhat deserted and struggled to find a bar to visit after dinner. In contrast, the nearby Mishima Station, with its convenient Shinkansen access, is more vibrant and tourist-oriented. … Read more
Coming back to Okayama for a business trip again and I enjoyed a walk around the bustling town, full of locals and tourists exploring the old town in Kurashiki. I’ve previously reviewed this town on this blog. Kurashiki is well-known for its old-style charm. Here’s what AI chatbot had to say about it with the … Read more
Recently, I went to a K-pop karaoke bar in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. This concept of a Korean pop girls’ bar might be new to some. So, I’ll provide a brief explanation about both, Korean pop and the girls’ bar. K-pop, or Korean Pop music, has gained global recognition, with artists like BTS achieving remarkable popularity beyond … Read more
Stopping at a bar after work to simply have a beer and relax is very enjoyable. It’s something I miss from my time in Europe, where it was easy to find a bar like that at random in a terminal station or elsewhere. Having a chat and a drink is enjoyable, but sometimes it can … Read more
In my previous blog post, I briefly discussed the adventures of finding bars in residential areas or seemingly in the middle of nowhere in Tokyo. These types of bars are quite common in Tokyo, and the safe environment of night time allows both locals and visitors from overseas to explore and discover local bars in … Read more
The cozy bar I discovered this time in Kyoto is called Nuestra Casa, or maybe it should be “Casa Nuestra.” I’m unsure as I’ve only taken a Spanish course, and the word order differs from English and other Latin languages. Nonetheless, it’s a rare find in Kyoto – a small, cozy mezcal bar resembling Shinjuku … Read more
